Charlotte is a place that has everything. It’s got a cosmopolitan big city infrastructure while retaining that signature, Southern, small town charm. There’s an established and flourishing economy grounded largely in financial services. And it’s incredibly easy to escape the bright lights and disappear into the stunning surrounding scenery.
For a graduate recruiter making their first foray into the working world there’s no better mix. Check out these 5 reasons to launch your career in Charlotte.
It’s a Huge Banking Capital
Many people not in the know are surprised when they discover that Charlotte is the third largest financial center in the United States. Only New York and, by the narrowest of margins thanks to a recent surge, San Francisco sit above it.
In fact, Charlotte’s so well established that in financial services circles it’s rightly known as a magnet for bankers. Numerous global financial institutions are proud to call Charlotte their home. But it’s also has a healthy entrepreneurial scene with plenty of startups basing themselves here.
Because of this, the career opportunities here are huge and the market only continues to expand. As a graduate recruiter moving into the financial markets sector, there are few better places to get your start.
Enjoy Sports Galore
Charlotte is inextricably intertwined with the history of NASCAR, with various teams basing their headquarters here. So if you’re a motor racing fanatic then there’s no better place to be than “America’s home for racing”.
Even if you’re not a petrolhead, catching a race at the Charlotte Motor Speedway is an exhilarating thrill. Or perhaps you’d prefer a taste of what it’s like to be behind the wheel. In which case, you can book yourself a couple of laps on the famous circuit in your own practice session.
If racing’s not your thing, don’t worry. There are plenty of big pro sports teams plying their trade here. There’s the Carolina Panthers playing in the NFL, the NBA’s Charlotte Hornets, and the Carolina Hurricanes for hockey fans.
The Great Outdoors
Charlotte is definitely a city for lovers of the outdoors. In the city itself you’ll find tree-lined streets and plenty of green public spaces like Freedom Park and the historic Rosedale Plantation. But it’s the surrounding landscapes that will really take your breath away, with plenty of awesome hiking and biking routes.
With over 520 miles of shoreline, Lake Norman is not to be missed. It’s flanked by a number of towns and crosses four county lines meaning there are stacks of things to do here. Enjoy exciting activities like sailing, wakeboarding, canoeing, jet skiing, and fishing. If getting wet’s your thing then there’s also the U.S. National Whitewater Center. Here they’ve got activities ranging from whitewater rafting to rock climbing and ziplining.
To really get back to basics you only need to head an hour or so out of Charlotte and you’ll be in virtual wilderness. Hikers will love the many trails with Instagram-worthy views in State Parks like Crowders Mountain and Stone Mountain.
Distinctive Neighborhoods
Something that residents love about Charlotte is how it’s made up of distinctive neighborhoods. Each one has its own unique feel and character, which makes it an endlessly interesting city to explore.
The Southend is the trendiest corner of the city with food trucks, farmers markets, and regular festivals throughout the year. There’s the downtown area - actually called Uptown locally - where you’ll find great shops, restaurants, and a kicking nightlife. For galleries, live music, and culture head to NoDa (North Davidson), the city’s arts and entertainments district.
Finding the right place to settle down when starting your career is all important. In Charlotte there’s a district for everyone, so you’re bound to discover a fantastic neighborhood to call home.
Awesome Food Scene
North Carolina is considered by locals as the spiritual home of barbeque, and notably barbecue of the pork variety. But while you’re guaranteed your run of great smokehouses, there’s plenty more to sample on the cuisine front.
You can indulge your inner gourmet with everything from finger lickin’ fried chicken to authentic Japanese ramen. And there’s a diverse range of venues to sample, from fantastic markets, to hip food trucks and high end restaurants.
Charlotte is also home to a burgeoning craft beer scene, something which people take pretty seriously around these parts. There are a couple of dozen breweries serving up creative brews to appreciative punters from bars and taprooms all across the city.
If you're looking for an inspiring city to establish your career in, Charlotte certainly fits the bill. It's an exciting, colorful, metropolitan melting pot that's rapidly growing in popularity. A graduate recruitment role with Phaidon International could be just the opportunity you've been searching for, so why not head down to "The Queen City" and see for yourself?
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About Us
Phaidon International is the parent company of five leading specialist recruitment agencies. For more than 15 years, we have given clients and candidates the peace of mind that the recruitment process is in expert hands. Out continual investment in best-in-class technologies and consultant training enables us to recruit with speed, precision and accuracy. Today, we provide contingency, retained search and project-based contract recruitment across 11 offices in 6 countries. Contact us today to learn more about the company and the opportunities we offer.
